Sunny Dua
School children wait impatiently for summer holidays and when the day comes their faces begin to show a different glow. Their last day in the schools is spent saying good byes to their friends, revealing their holiday travel plans, criticizing teachers for giving ample home works or talking about painting, music, swimming or allied workshops that their parents intend to send them to during these vacations. Many children whose maternal or paternal grandparents live in other cities are elated by just the thought of travelling to other cities and having fun with cousins.
Our childhood, honestly speaking was full of excitement just because we were destined to travel to our Nani’s place in Delhi and have all the fun especially learn cycling during hot summer afternoons, enjoy hospitality of other relatives, read comics, watch movies, go to fetch milk with elders from Mother Dairy vending machines, pay obeisance at Gurdwaras and temples, shop with parents, visit historic places and return with suitcases overflowing with gifts, purchases and toys only to unwind them and enjoy remaining holidays back home.
Gradually this all ended with a new era needs or engagements wherein meaning of holidays changed for children as well as their parents. Blame it on over occupied parents, their hard-pressed engagements or smart growing children besides influx of money that changed the very concept of holidays. Visit to relatives got exchanged with visit to holiday resorts and staying homes during holidays and doing nothing got converted into attending workshops that kept children engaged, giving parents their desired freedom or fulfilling their unending desires to see their kids become Sachin Tendulkar, Vincent Van Gogh, Jimmy Hendrix or Tom Cruise.
Without any offence to anyone but without any prejudice as well, children need a break from their routine to recharge their mental as well as physical strength. Contrarily, learned and creative people want children to utilise this free time in unleashing their talent which is why they organise sports, painting, music and acting workshops, though monetary gains is also an aspect. The fact, however is that not all children are interested in such activities but attend the same with a heavy heart because their parents want them to not to sit idle.
On the other hand, the moment summer season approaches, parents often find themselves bombarded with advertisements and recommendations for summer workshops and camps. These programs promise to keep children engaged, help them acquire new skills, and ensure productive summer vacations. However, it’s time to challenge the prevailing notion that summer workshops are a necessity. In fact, these structured programs may be more of a trap than a blessing. This article argues that children should be given the freedom to have fun and explore their interests during the summer, without being bound by the constraints of structured workshops.
The Importance of Unstructured Time
Unstructured time is essential for a child’s development. It allows them to explore their creativity, discover new passions, and develop important life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and self-expression. Summer workshops, although well-intentioned, often limit the opportunities for children to engage in unstructured activities. By filling their schedules with predetermined classes and activities, children are denied the chance to follow their own instincts and explore their individual interests.
Nurturing Individuality and Self-Discovery
Summer should be a time for children to discover who they are, outside the constraints of a classroom. It is a chance for them to develop their own hobbies, pursue personal passions, and explore their creativity. Restricting children to predefined workshops can hinder their ability to explore diverse interests and find their true passions. When children are given the freedom to choose their activities and decide how to spend their time, they develop a sense of autonomy and self-reliance that will benefit them in the long run.
The Power of Play and Leisure
Play is an essential part of a child’s growth and development. It promotes imagination, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. By participating in unstructured play, children learn to create their own rules, negotiate conflicts, and think independently. The pressure to constantly engage in workshops can deprive children of the opportunity to engage in spontaneous play, which is crucial for their overall development. Letting children have fun and do whatever they want during the summer encourages them to explore their interests through play, fostering their cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
Reducing Burnout and Mental Health Issues
Children today face increasing pressure to excel academically and engage in numerous extracurricular activities throughout the year. The summer should serve as a much-needed break from this demanding routine. By allowing children to relax, recharge, and enjoy leisure time, parents can help prevent burnout and reduce the risk of mental health issues. Unstructured summer vacations provide a crucial opportunity for children to decompress, explore nature, engage in hobbies, and spend quality time with family and friends, which are all vital for their emotional well-being.
Finding Balance
Of course, this article doesn’t advocate for complete neglect of a child’s education or interests. Instead, it suggests finding a balance between structured and unstructured activities. Parents should encourage their children to participate in activities that genuinely interest them, without overburdening their schedules with excessive workshops. They must also ensure that in order to have their own leisure time or get rid of responsibility they are not sending children to these workshops. It’s crucial to prioritize the child’s individual needs and desires, allowing them to take ownership of their summer experiences and find joy in pursuing their passions.
Conclusion
While summer workshops may seem like a tempting option to keep children occupied and productive during the summer break, it’s important to question their necessity. By letting children have fun and do whatever they want during the summer, we enable them to discover their passions, develop essential life skills, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Visit to relatives that’s a passé must also be encouraged.
One of the key advantages of allowing children to have unstructured summers is the opportunity for them to develop their own unique talents and interests. By giving them the space to pursue their own interests, they can delve deeper into areas that truly ignite their curiosity and unlock their potential. When they are free to make their own choices and take responsibility for their time, they learn valuable life skills such as time management, decision-making, and prioritization.
It’s important to remember that play and leisure are not frivolous activities; they are vital for a child’s overall development. Play allows children to promote creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. By encouraging unstructured play during the summer, parents provide their children with the space and time to develop these crucial skills naturally. There’s no match to parents accompanying children to a hike, barbecue party, visit to an amusement park, arranging a picnic, organizing a family game, playing outdoor summer games, encourage reading, planting saplings or just doing nothing at all and watching television or playing games. So, let’s break free from the trap of structured workshops and give children the freedom they need to unleash their own creativity.
(The writer is a senior journalist)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
